Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility varies by program. Our Community Impact Grant and Workforce Readiness Initiative are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public school districts, and formally constituted civic associations with at least two years of operating history. The Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership also accepts applications from municipal governments and public authorities within Lancaster County. Individual applicants are eligible for our scholarship and fellowship programs only. Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply through a fiscal sponsor arrangement with a qualified nonprofit; contact our program officers for guidance on establishing a fiscal sponsorship. All grant programs require that the proposed project or program serves Lancaster County residents, with some programs extending eligibility to adjacent counties (Chester, Berks, Lebanon, Dauphin, and York).

The timeline depends on the specific grant program. The Community Impact Grant follows an annual cycle with applications due April 30, committee review from May through July, and award notifications issued by August 1. The Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership operates on a bi-annual cycle with March 15 and September 15 deadlines, with decisions rendered within 90 days. The Workforce Readiness Initiative and Skilled Trades Award follow rolling quarterly reviews, with decisions typically issued within 60 days of submission. Our Arts and Culture Micro-Grants are reviewed monthly with an average decision time of 21 days. The Emergency Community Response Fund operates continuously with 72-hour turnaround for verified emergencies. Scholarship decisions follow the academic calendar, with most awards announced between March and May for the following academic year.

Our primary geographic focus is Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. However, some programs extend eligibility to projects in adjacent counties that directly benefit Lancaster County residents. The Workforce Readiness Initiative, for example, may fund training programs in Dauphin or Berks County that enroll significant numbers of Lancaster County residents. The Education Excellence Scholarship supports Lancaster County students attending accredited institutions anywhere in Pennsylvania. We do not fund projects or organizations based entirely outside our service area, though we are happy to refer applicants to other community foundations or funding sources that may be a better fit for their geography. The Foundation maintains partnerships with peer community foundations across south-central Pennsylvania and can facilitate introductions where appropriate.

Yes, organizations may submit applications to multiple grant programs simultaneously, provided each application addresses a distinct project or program need and the requested funds are not duplicative. For example, a nonprofit could apply for a Community Impact Grant for operational programming while also seeking a Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership grant for a capital improvement project at a separate facility. However, we strongly recommend discussing multi-program applications with a program officer before submission to ensure alignment and avoid potential conflicts in the review process. Organizations that have received a grant within the past 12 months may still apply for new funding, subject to satisfactory completion of interim and final reporting requirements for the existing grant.

The Education Excellence Scholarship is currently limited to students attending accredited institutions within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This includes all state universities, community colleges, private institutions, and accredited online programs headquartered in Pennsylvania. The Harold P. Landes Legacy Fellowship has broader geographic flexibility for graduate programs, as the selection committee evaluates the quality of the specific program and its relevance to Lancaster County community development regardless of the institution's location. The Skilled Trades Advancement Award is limited to programs at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and Pennsylvania-registered apprenticeship programs. If you are considering an out-of-state institution, we encourage you to contact our Scholarship Coordinator to discuss whether your situation may qualify for an exception or whether alternative funding sources may be available.

The Education Excellence Scholarship requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, verified through official transcripts. For high school seniors, this is based on the cumulative GPA through the first semester of senior year. For current college students, this is the cumulative GPA from all post-secondary coursework. The Harold P. Landes Legacy Fellowship evaluates academic performance holistically as part of a broader assessment that includes professional experience, community impact, and the proposed plan for applying advanced training to Lancaster County challenges; there is no minimum GPA threshold, though competitive applicants typically demonstrate strong academic records. The Skilled Trades Advancement Award and Community Leadership Pipeline Stipend do not have GPA requirements, as these programs prioritize demonstrated commitment, program acceptance, and financial need over academic metrics.

The Foundation offers several giving vehicles for individuals, families, and organizations seeking to create lasting community impact. Donor-Advised Funds allow you to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to qualifying organizations over time. Designated Funds direct your gift to a specific program area or geographic community within Lancaster County. Memorial and Tribute Funds honor a loved one while supporting community causes they cared about. Planned Giving vehicles include charitable remainder trusts, bequests, beneficiary designations, and charitable gift annuities that provide income to the donor during their lifetime while ultimately benefiting the Foundation's endowment. The minimum amount to establish a named fund is $10,000. For immediate charitable gifts of any amount, our Annual Fund supports the Foundation's operating budget and unrestricted grantmaking. Contact Margaret Stoltzfus-Landes at (717) 555-0194 or [email protected] for a confidential giving consultation.

Yes. The Landes Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 23-3017584) registered with the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations (#47291-NPO). Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by federal and Pennsylvania state law. This includes cash gifts, appreciated securities, real estate, and certain other property types. Donors receive a written acknowledgment for all contributions of $250 or more as required by IRS regulations. For gifts of appreciated securities, donors generally may deduct the full fair market value without recognizing capital gains, subject to applicable adjusted gross income limitations. We strongly recommend consulting your tax advisor or financial planner regarding the specific deductibility and estate planning implications of your charitable giving. The Foundation's development staff can work with your professional advisors to structure gifts that maximize both charitable impact and tax efficiency.

The Foundation is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees, each serving staggered three-year terms with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Trustees are recruited to represent diverse sectors including business, education, healthcare, faith communities, the arts, and legal and financial services. The Board meets quarterly and operates through four standing committees: Executive, Grants, Finance and Investment, and Development. The day-to-day operations are managed by an Executive Director supported by a staff of three professionals. The Foundation adheres to the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, a comprehensive set of benchmarks covering governance, operations, donor services, and grantmaking established by the Council on Foundations. An independent annual audit is conducted by Baker Tilly US, LLP, and the Foundation's Form 990 is available to the public upon request as required by federal tax law.

All grant applications undergo a multi-stage review process. Program officers first screen applications for basic eligibility (organization type, geographic focus, program alignment, and completeness of required materials). Eligible applications advance to the seven-member Grants Committee, which evaluates proposals against published criteria including community need, organizational capacity, proposed outcomes and metrics, sustainability beyond the grant period, budget reasonableness, and alignment with Foundation strategic priorities. Committee members declare conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from discussions involving organizations where they have board, employment, or financial relationships. For major grants exceeding $50,000, the Committee may conduct site visits or invite applicants for a presentation. Final funding recommendations are presented to the full Board of Trustees for approval at quarterly meetings. The Foundation publishes aggregate grantmaking data annually and provides written feedback to all applicants, including those not funded, to support organizational learning and future application strength.